The Indiana State Sycamores (13-14) finish out the regular season at Hulman Center as they host the Wichita State Shockers (20-7). Action starts at 4:00 pm ET on Sunday, Feb. 21 and will air on ESU and ES3.
The Sycamores are hoping to rebound after their 78-50 loss to Illinois State on Wednesday. Everett Clemons had a solid performance for Indiana State, contributing 14 points, nine rebounds, and four assists. The Shockers, meanwhile, are coming off a 99-68 win over Missouri State on Thursday. Ron Baker stood out, accumulating 15 points, five assists, and four steals.
The Sycamores might struggle to find the bottom of the net as they face off against one of the nation’s best defenses. The Shockers rank third in defensive efficiency, while Indiana State ranks 292nd in offensive efficiency. Furthermore, the defense of the Shockers should have an advantage in terms of eFG%. They’re 18th in the nation in forcing misses (opponents’ eFG% of 44.9%), while the offense of the Sycamores ranks 305th in eFG% (46.5%).
This will be the second matchup of the season between these two teams. The Shockers won the first game 82-62. Fred VanVleet had a stellar game with 29 points, three rebounds, five assists, three steals, and three three-pointers.
The Sycamores have gone 13-14 Straight Up (SU) and 13-12-1 Against The Spread (ATS). They are 8-2 ATS over their last 10 games. Indiana State has gotten to the free throw line often this season. They average 16 made free throws per game, which is 50th-best in Division I. The Indiana State defense has been on fire lately, allowing an average of 55.3 points per game, well under their season average of 70.0.
On the other side, the Shockers have 20-7 SU and 16-9 ATS records. Wichita State has been particularly bad ATS over its past 10 matchups, going 1-8-1. When it comes to making good decisions with the ball, not many are better than the Shockers. They have one of the top assist-to-turnover ratios in the country at 1.41. The Shockers are one of the top defensive teams in the nation, essentially shutting down opponents to the tune of 60.0 points allowed per game. Teams seem to consistently miss shots against the Shockers, who are the 16th-best team in the nation in terms of opponent field goal percentage allowed at .390. Teams with weak ball handling have not fared well against the Shockers, who rank 46th in the nation with 7.6 steals per game.
With the Shockers’ last win against Indiana State, their SU record is now 9-1 over Indiana State in their most recent meetings. Additionally, Wichita State leads the matchup ATS with a record of 7-2-1. Wichita State held the edge in field goals, rebounds, and three-pointers once, while Indiana State was never able to do so in their most recent five games.
Predictions: SU Winner – Wich, ATS Winner – Wich
Notes
Indiana State averages 70.0 points per game, placing the team just 195th in the nation. Wichita State ranks fourth in points allowed, giving up 60.0 points per game.
Wichita State averages 74.2 points per away game (ranked 70th). Indiana State allows 64.0 points per home game (ranked 58th).
The Wichita State Shockers have a defensive rating of 90.9 (ranked third), while the Indiana State Sycamores have an offensive rating of 99.2 (ranked 292nd).
The Indiana State Sycamores average 70.6 possessions per game and .992 points per possession, while the Wichita State Shockers earn fewer possessions (65.7) but more points per possession (1.122).
The Wichita State Shockers average an effective field goal percentage of 50.4% this season. The Indiana State Sycamores have a subpar record of 1-8 when opponents have an eFG% of 50.4% or greater.
On average, Indiana State attempts 21.0 three pointers and Wichita State attempts 22.0. In games where they have 20 or more three point attempts, the Indiana State Sycamores are 10-9 while the Wichita State Shockers have a solid 12-7 record.
Indiana State ranks 76th in defensive rebounding. When it comes to offensive rebounds, Wichita State ranks 99th.
Wichita State is one of the top teams in forced turnovers, with opponents averaging a TO% of 24.2% (ranked fifth). Indiana State is winless this season (0-2 SU) when its TO% reaches 24.2% or greater.
